TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) has started the nationwide distribution of abaca spindle stripping machines to farmer associations, aiming to modernize fiber processing and improve productivity in the country’s abaca industry.
In Eastern Visayas, PhilFIDA’s Technical Assistance Division and Fiber Engineering Section are allocating a total of 250 units nationwide, with 33 units earmarked for the region as part of the initial rollout.
Of the regional allocation, 15 units were turned over in Mondragon, Northern Samar on April 27, 2026, while 18 units were distributed at the Eastern Visayas Regional Fiber Experiment Station in Abuyog, Leyte on April 30, 2026.
The machines will be further distributed to farmer groups across the region, with allocations of eight units for Northern Samar, five for Eastern Samar, two for Samar, five for Biliran, nine for Leyte, and four for Southern Leyte.
PhilFIDA said the introduction of the machines is expected to improve fiber extraction efficiency, enhance abaca quality, and increase farmers’ income by reducing manual labor and processing time.
To ensure proper handling and sustainability, a one-day training was conducted by supplier Erin-Marty Fabricators Co., Inc., covering machine operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for beneficiaries.
The distribution activity was led by PhilFIDA Region VIII’s Technical Assistance Unit under Jonathan M. Reambonanza, with support from provincial fiber officers, property officer Imelda P. Tan, and local government representatives under OIC Regional Director Joseph S. Salas.
PhilFIDA said the program supports efforts to strengthen Eastern Visayas’ position as one of the country’s leading abaca-producing regions.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
